Pirates' Sean Rodriguez 'challenges' Phillies' Kevin Slowey to fight

Left fielder Sean Rodriguez stepped into the batter's box in the fifth inning and believed Slowey quick pitched him, leading to a strikeout, reports MLB.com.

Rodriguez was visibly displeased with the move and yelled at Slowey as he walked off the field, who was staring right back at him. Rodriguez continued to jaw at Slowey in the fifth, leading to both benches clearing.

"It surprises me to be that upset, and challenging somebody to a physical altercation hardly seems like the best way to resolve your frustrations," Slowey said. "I was kind of taken by surprise at his animosity after his at-bat. I know the kind of guy that he purports to be. That surprised me that that would be his choice of words and reaction. I guess I understand the frustration of a singular failure. It's a game of failures. But to react that way to me was very surprising."

Manager Clint Hurdle remained neutral on the topic after the game.

"The umpires don't have to give you time. I'm not here to be judge or jury. We'll talk about it internally, about how we can do better job of not letting it happen again, or what we'll do if it does happen again."

Rodrigues, Kang, Sanchez and Hart to start season with Pirates

by Jason Butt | CBSSports.com

(3/20/15) Pirates manager Clint Hurdle revealed four players that will open the 2015 season on the 25-man roster.

"Sean Rodriguez is on the club,“ Hurdle said. ”[Jung Ho] Kang is on the club. Tony Sanchez is on the club, based on the situation that has kind of happened with Chris Stewart. ... Corey Hart is on the club. We have the one open set."

Pirates acquire Sean Rodriguez in trade with Rays

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12/1/14) The Pirates announced Monday they acquired infielder Sean Rodriguez from the Rays in exchange for a player to be named later and cash considerations. Rodriguez was designated for assignment Nov. 26.

Rodriguez hit .211 with a career-high 12 home runs, 13 doubles and 41 RBI in 96 games in 2014. For his career, he has hit .225 with a .372 slugging percentage and .670 OPS in 624 games for the Angels and Rays.